Czech crude imports Jan-Jun 2026

Imports of crude to the Czech Republic totalled 3.180 million tons in the first six months in 2026 against 3.097 million tons in the same period in 2025.  Azerbaijan shipped 1.042 million tons of crude which was down against 1.464 million tons in the same period in 2025.  Some of the lighter Azeri crude is processed at the Kralupy refinery.  The larger Litvinov refinery has switched to a combination of Norwegian and Saudi Arabian oil, amounting to 515,500 tons and 1.005 million tons respectively for January to June 2026.  

Hungarian crude imports Jan-Jun 2026

Hungary imported only 1.039 million tons in the period January to June 2026, against 2.381 million tons in 2025.  Supplies from Russia amounted to 1.650 million tons against only 168,200 tons this year.  Average prices for Russian crude rose to €533.4 per ton from €431.1 per ton in 2025.  Whilst the Druzhba has been down Hungary has been taking crude from Slovakia.  Russian oil exports to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline recovered to the normal level of 165,000 barrels per day in May. 

Serbia's mining and energy minister says talks between Gazprom Neft and MOL over the 56% stake in NIS are progressing, and that Serbia is not the obstacle.  The stake is waiting on two signatures: an agreement between the two companies and approval from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the US Treasury Department’s sanctions arm.

Polish crude imports Jan-Jun 2026

From the total of 11.363 million tons of crude imported into Poland in the first six months in 2026, supplies from Saudi Arabia totalled 5.401 million tons followed by Norway which provided 4.443 million tons.  

Average prices for Polish crude purchases increased from $499.7 per ton in the first six months in 2025 to $560.7 per ton in 2026.  Due to lower prices refining margins for the Orlen Group recovered steadily throughout 2025 but then started to fall in December.  Prices since the end of February have risen significantly.

The main direction of oil supplies to Poland is no longer to the east but to the north, using the infrastructure of Naftoport in Gdansk, which is the basis of the supply system for domestic refineries.  The first line of the pipeline is about 236 km long.  The investment in the second line has received an environmental decision and building permits but there are questions whether it is even required. 

The Gdansk Refinery processed 10.4 million tons of crude oil, 6% more than in 2024 (the highest volume historically was recorded in 2018 at 10.8 million tons). The increase in throughput is the result of optimization in terms of production maximizing the yield of high-margin fuels, as well as greater availability of refining assets.

Polish petrochemical production Jan-Jun 2026

Ethylene production in Poland dropped in the first six months to 123,569 tons against 147,500 tons in January to June 2025, whilst propylene dropped slightly from 199,400 tons to 165,178 tons.  Butadiene production dropped from 29,080 tons to 20,403 tons, whilst phenol production has not taken place so far this year. 

In the plastics sector polyethylene production dropped from 149,200 tons to 111,500 tons, whilst polyethylene dropped from 215,300 tons to 144,800 tons.  

Orlen Jan-Jun 2026

Orlen benefited in the second quarter from higher margins which helped drive a higher downstream EBITDA for the first half year.   In the first six months of 2026, prices increased by 18% for propylene, 16% for ethylene, 26% for benzene and 16% for paraxylene.  Revenue growth was also supported by higher petrochemical-product sales volumes, principally in the Czech market, as the turnaround at the Litvinov Refinery’s petrochemical complex and the shutdowns of Anwil units in 2025 did not recur.

In the petrochemical division, olefin and polyolefin sales volumes decreased by 56,000 tons and 12,000 tons respectively in the first half , due to the maintenance shutdown of the Olefin II unit. By contrast, benzene sales increased by 11,000 tons and PTA sales by 75,000 tons reflecting improved plant availability in 2026.

Polish monomer imports, Jan-Jun 2026

Butadiene import prices for Poland increased to €933.2 per ton in January-Junel 2026 against €920.8 per ton for 2025.   Shipments totalled 60,526 tons in the first six months against 52,585 tons in January to June 2025.  Germany increased exports in 2026 to 28,402 tons versus 18,132 tons in 2025, and Austria reduced shipments to 14,688 tons against 18,938 tons. 

Poland imported 46,535 tons of propylene in January to June 2026, against 46,601 tons in the same period in 2025.  Average import prices for propylene imports into Poland increased from €876.6 per ton in the first six months in 2025 to €956.1 in 2026, with the second quarter seeing strong rises. Poland exported 5,263 tons of propylene in the first half of 2026, down from 10,571 tons in the period January to June 2025.     

Styrene imports into Poland rose from 52,471 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 54,358 tons in 2025.  Average prices fell to €1232.7 per ton against €1352.8 per ton in 2025.  US deliveries amounted to 18,472 tons in the first half of 2026 followed by 14,470 tons from Saudi Arabia. 

MOL reduced production due to accident

MOL’s production of olefins in the first half of 2026 was affected by the accident that took place at Tiszaujvaros on 29 May.  Ethylene production in Hungary and Slovakia dropped from 338,000 tons to 229,000 tons in January to June 2026 whilst propylene fell from 173,000 tons to 119,000 tons. 

MOL’s preparations for the restoration of the Olefin-1 plant depend on the plant being disassembled and cleaned.  The damaged components will be dismantled, and the company will immediately begin procuring the equipment necessary for the restoration.  

The accident could reduce this year’s annual profit for MOL by approximately $100-150 million, depending on the duration of the recovery, while direct damages could reach $100 million, at least part of which may be covered by insurance.

Despite lower petrochemical production the downstream EBITDA in the first half of 2026 amounted to Ft 232.4 billion $ 49 million) in H1 2026, marking a 4% increase compared to the first half of 2025.

The improved financial performance was attributed to significantly higher refinery and petrochemical margins on the back of supply bottlenecks, but hindered by lower processing due to crude supply disruptions, missing DCDU3 and Olefin-1 capacities, and turnaround at INA in Q1 2026.

MOL’s group refinery margin amounted to $15.9 per barrel in the first half in 2026, representing a 246% increase over 2025.  Refinery throughput for the group dropped by 20% compared to last year. 

MOL’s petrochemical margin was 84% above last year’s level, averaging at €355 per ton in the first half of 2026. Due to weak demand and limited availability, petrochemical product sales decreased by 24% year-over-year. 

MOL Group’s petrochemical margin averaged at €548 per ton in Q2 2026, resulting in a significant 238% increase compared to the previous quarter and a 134% increase compared to Q2 2025. 

The dramatic rises in margins were driven by more moderate import pressure in Europe resulting from the Strait of Hormuz disruption. Sales of petrochemical products decreased by 33% partly as a result of continued suppressed demand and partly due to an explosion at the Tiszaujvaros plant in May limiting steam cracker capacity.

MOL’s purchase of NIS

In the first half of 2026 HIP Petrohemija at Pancevo produced 141,000 tons of petrochemicals, consuming 180,100 tons of naphtha, against 127,100 tons of petrochemicals and 162,200 tons of naphtha in 2025.  The petrochemical plant is incurring losses and needs substantial investment just in the modernisation of existing facilities besides new projects such as the construction of a polypropylene plant.  Regarding feedstocks the complex is totally dependent on the adjacent refinery at Pancevo where US sanctions could be removed in the event of a successful acquisition by MOL.

MOL claims to have concluded negotiations with the Serbian government regarding the acquisition of a majority stake in Naftna Industrija Srbije, including the control of HIP-Petrohemija.  The deal is yet to go through completely however, as MOL seems reluctant to pay the price asked by the Serbian government.

Hungarian monomer trade, Jan-Jun 2026

Hungarian butadiene exports amounted to 16,722 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 21,958 tons in the first six months in 2025.  Exports to Poland declined from 17,132 tons in January to June 2025 to 15,834 tons in 2026, whilst exports to the Czech Republic declined from 4,827 tons to 889 tons.  Butadiene is exported from MOL’s Tiszaujvaros complex, with Poland as the largest destination.   Prices decreased from €916.0 per ton in 2025 to €865.0 in 2026.

Exports of propylene from Hungary amounted to 13,208 tons in January to June 2026 against 48,401 tons in January to June 2025.  Propylene production in Hungary has been affected by the lack of crude supply in the first part of 2026.  Imports from the INA refinery in Croatia helped mitigate the short propylene supply.

Shipments to Slovnaft in Slovakia were reduced from 22,860 tons to 10,708 tons, whilst no deliveries were made to Poland this year. 

Styrene imports into Hungary declined from 35,038 tons in January to June 2025 against 26,222 tons in 2026.  Average prices rose to €1434.9 per ton against €1300.9 per ton in 2025.  Imports are dominated by shipments from Italy where volumes amounted to 23,629 tons. 

Czech olefin monomer trade, Jan-Jun 2026

Czech ethylene imports amounted to only 132 tons in the first six months this year against 1,948 tons in the same period in 2025.  Czech propylene imports dropped from 27,421 tons to 19,697 tons.  Germany supplied 30,742 tons in 2025 and Poland 15,002 tons, but in 2026 Poland has been unable to ship to the Czech Republic.  Instead, additional shipments have been imported from Bulgaria from the Burgas refinery and amounting to 6,987 tons in the first half of 2026.  Imports of propylene from Germany fell to 12,683 tons in the first half of the year against 18,312 tons in the same period in 2025.  Average prices for propylene imports dropped from €898.5 per ton to €855.3 per ton.

Ethylene exports from the Czech Republic amounted to 2,197 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 4,924 tons in the same period in 2025, whilst propylene exports rose to 3,563 tons.  Most of the ethylene is delivered by pipeline to Bohlen in Germany whilst several thousand tons was exported to Slovnaft in Slovakia last year. 

Czech polyethylene trade Jan-Jun 2026

For imports of all forms of polyethylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 151,054 tons in January to June 2026 against 155,801 tons in the same period in 2025.  Average prices of imports rose from €1502.8 per ton to €1573.5 per ton.  Germany was the largest source of polyethylene imports, followed by the Netherlands and Belgium.

Polyethylene exports from the Czech Republic amounted to 187,549 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 204,391 tons in the same period in 2025.  Average prices increased from €1392.7 per ton to €1568.4 per ton. 

HDPE export shipments comprised 158,856 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 173,812 tons in the same period in 2025.  Germany was the largest destination for Czech HDPE supplied from Litvinov.  Other important markets for Czech polyethylene exports include Poland, Italy and Belgium.

Polish polyethylene trade Jan-Jun 2026

Polish imports of polyethylene totalled 744,080 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 694,453 tons in the same period in 2025, with average prices rising from €1270.6 per ton to €1403.7 per ton. 

HDPE is the largest category of imported polyethylene into Poland, amounting to 248,422 tons in January to June 2026 versus 219,682 tons in 2025.  Germany is the largest supplier of HDPE to the Polish market.   European polyethylene spot prices have increased 100% on the low end since the end of February, due to the Middle East conflict, and are now heading for historical highs, with LDPE higher than even during the 2022 Russian invasion crisis.

LLDPE imports rose from 110,616 tons in January to June 2025 to 119,343 tons in the corresponding period in 2026.  Most of the LLDPE imports were sourced from West Europe, including France, the Netherlands and Germany. 

LDPE imports rose to 190,424 tons in January to June 2026 from 177,939 tons in the corresponding period in 2025.    Imports from ethylene alpha olefins decreased from 146,221 tons to 130,302 tons.  Polish polyethylene exports amounted to 128,398 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 160,302 tons in 2025.  Average prices for polyethylene exports increased from €1126.3 per ton to €1245.8 per ton.  Exports of HDPE from Poland amounted to 77,647 tons in January to June 2026 versus 99,684 tons in the same period in 2025 whilst LDPE exports dropped from 27,385 tons to 27,045 tons.  Exports of ethylene alpha olefins from Poland amounted to 6,915 tons in January to June 2026.  In addition to the production of ethylene polymers at Plock, exports are assisted by reexported imports.

Hungarian polyethylene trade Jan-Jun 2026

Imports of all grades of polyethylene into Hungary amounted to 82,252 tons in January to June 2026 against 86,271 tons in January to June 2025.  Hungarian import prices for polyethylene amounted to €1744.6 per ton against €1556.8.  The largest category of polyethylene imports comprised HDPE, which dropped from 39,159 tons to 34,922 tons.

Hungarian polyethylene exports amounted to 97,371 tons in January to June 2026 against 163,709 tons in January to June 2025.  Average prices of polyethylene exports rose from €1197.5 per ton to €1206.5 per ton. 

Exports of LDPE from Hungary decreased from 23,603 tons in the first six months in 2026 to 8,347 tons in January-June 2026.  HDPE exports dropped from 115,219 tons to 75,821 tons in January-June 2026.

Polish PP Trade Jan-Jun 2026

Polish polypropylene imports, including homo grade and copolymers, amounted to 533,368 tons against 485,166 tons in the same period in 2025.   Imports of propylene copolymers rose slightly from 159,322 tons to 167,800 tons. Average prices for all types of polypropylene imports increased from €1441.2 per ton to €1749.1 per ton. 

Export shipments from Poland increased to 137,034 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 133,959 tons in January to June 2025.  Homo polymer grades comprised the main category of Polish polypropylene exports, where Germany was the largest destination.  Average export prices rose from €1321.3 per ton in 2025 to €1784.0.

Czech polypropylene trade Jan-Jun 2026

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from the Czech Republic amounted to 154,894 tons in January to June 2026 versus 147,105 tons in the same period in 2025.  Average export prices rose from €1465.8 per ton in 2025 to €1556.3 per ton in 2026.   For imports of all forms of polypropylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 282,366 tons in January to June 2026 against 263,369 tons in the same period in 2025, with average prices rising from €1576.7 per ton to €1660.0 per ton. 

Hungarian polypropylene trade January to June 2026

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from Hungary amounted to 98,201 tons in January to June 2026 versus 122,041 tons in January to June 2025, with average prices adjusting to €1516.2 per ton from €1307.0 last year.  Homo-grade PP provides the main category of Hungarian polypropylene exports, amounting to 52,113 tons versus 63,506 tons in January to June 2025.  

Hungarian inward shipments of polypropylene amounted to 102,471 tons in January to June 2026 against 96,201 tons in January to June 2025, with average prices rising from €1369.5 per ton to €1596.2 per ton.  Imports of propylene copolymers rose from 22,172 tons to 25,197l tons.

Hungarian synthetic rubber trade Jan-Jun 2026

Hungarian imports of synthetic rubber amounted to 30,892 tons in January to June 2026 against 48,602 tons in January to June 2025.  Average prices dropped from €2465.9 per ton to €2278.9 in 2026.

Butadiene rubber imports into Hungary amounted to 10,857 10,612 tons, with the largest source coming from Indonesia.  SBR imports dropped from 26,232 tons to 10,857 tons. 

Synthetic rubber exports from Hungary amounted to 28,539 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 29,165 tons in the same period in 2025.  Prices for exports decreased from €2822.1 per ton to €2212.7 per ton in 2026.

Czech rubber trade Jan-Jun 2026

Exports of synthetic rubber from the Czech Republic amounted to 70,251 tons in January to June 2025 versus 68,765 tons in the same period in 2025.  At the same time imports increased from 72,272 tons to 91,457 tons in 2026.  Natural rubber imports rose from 41,640 tons to 45,266 tons.

Czech synthetic rubber export prices amounted to €2012.5 per ton in 2026 against €2046.6 per ton in 2025 whilst import prices dropped from €2169.4 per ton to €1437.7.   Natural rubber prices decreased last year to €1917.7 per ton from €2259.3 per ton in January to June 2025.

Czech butadiene rubber trade Jan-Jun 2026

The Czech Republic exported 61,496 tons of butadiene rubber in the first six months against 57,125 tons in the same period in 2025.  Average prices increased from €1929.0 per ton to €2312.1 per ton.  Czech exports of butadiene rubber to Poland amounted to 61,496 tons in January to June 2026 against 57,125 tons in the same period in 2025.  

Polish rubber trade Jan-Jun 2026

Synthetic rubber exports from Poland amounted to 139,840 tons in January to June 2026 against 136,462 tons in the same period in 2025.   Exports of butadiene rubber from Poland amounted to 29,790 tons in January to June 2026 versus 25,161 tons in the same period in 2025.   The largest category of rubber exports is concentrated on SBR grades.

For all types of synthetic rubber imports into Poland average prices dropped from €2360.8 per ton in January to June 2025 to €2180.5 in 2026.  Due largely to demand side factors Poland increased imports to 120,054 tons against 113,020 tons in the same period in 2025. 

Polish benzene exports Jan-Jun 2026

Polish exports of benzene totalled 104,340 tons in January to June 2026 against 69,995 tons in the same period in 2025.  Exports to Germany increased from 52,367 tons to 56,020 tons in 2026, with average prices rising from €794.5 per ton to €929.7 per ton. 

The average contract price of benzene on the European market declined steadily during 2025 but has since increased due to the Hormuz crisis. 

Polish PTA exports Jan-Jun 2026

PTA exports amounted to 184,983 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 144,211 tons in the same period in 2025.  Exports to Germany rose from 132,485 tons to 170,923 tons.  Average prices for PTA exports from Poland changed from €719.9 per ton to €750.6 per ton in January to June 2026.   

Polish aromatic imports Jan-Jun 2026

Phenol imports into Poland amounted to 65,434 tons in January to June 2026 which was up from 50,455 tons in the same period in 2025.  Germany was the dominant supplier of phenol to Poland, shipping 45,888 tons against 42,300 tons in the same period in 2025.    Average prices for phenol imported into Poland rose from €935.9 per ton to €1155.8 per ton in 2026.  

In other product areas, styrene imports into Poland amounted to 56,854 tons in the period January to June 2026 against 47,622 tons in the same period in 2025.  Aside the Netherlands and Belgium, other supplies came from the US and Saudi Arabia. 

Average prices for styrene imports into Poland dropped from €1353.5 per ton to €1165.8 per ton in 2026.  Ethylbenzene imports amounted to 52,655 tons against 43,704 tons in the same period last year. 

Czech aromatic trade Jan-Jun 2026

Czech aniline exports amounted to 40,820 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 61,560 tons in the same period in 2025.  Hungary was the main recipient, and BorsodChem the customer.  In other areas of Czech aromatic exports benzene increased from 9,654 tons in January to June 2025 against 14,451 tons in 2026.  Ethylbenzene exports amounted to 47,950 tons against 52,278 tons.  The product is supplied solely from the Kralupy plant in the Czech Republic.

Hungarian benzene imports Jan-Jun 2026

Hungary exported 3,037 tons of benzene in the first six months against 16,688 tons in the same period in 2025, with average prices rising from €715 per ton to €951.5 per ton.  Imports increased from 20,970 tons to 37,483 tons with prices rose from €683.3 per ton to €885.1 in 2026.  Imports of toluene dropped from 19,270 tons to 4,568 tons, with prices dropping slightly from €922.3 per ton to €906.2.

Hungarian TDI-MDI exports Jan-Jun 2026

Hungarian TDI exports in January to June 2026 amounted to 86,960 tons against 137,904 tons in January to June 2025.  Average prices rose from €1962.0 per ton to €2048.5 per ton. 

Exports of TDI from Hungary to Belgium amounted to 6,643 tons in January to June 2026 against 16,660 tons in January to June last year, whilst volumes to Italy dropped from 12,120 tons to 5,455 tons.   Exports of TDI from Hungary to Belgium amounted to 9,667 tons in January to June 2026 against 21,355 tons in January to June last year, whilst volumes to Italy dropped from 17,120 tons to 5,455 tons. 

Shipments to Poland amounted to 14,064 tons against 17,629 tons in 2025 and dropped to Turkey from 12,117 tons to 16,014 tons.  Shipments to Romania amounted to 4,565 tons. 

MDI exports from Hungary amounted in January to June to 130,485 tons against 103,959 tons in January to June 2025.  MDI export prices dropped to €1745.6 per ton against €1851.5 per ton in 2025.    The US was the largest destination in the first six months, taking 130,485 tons from Hungary.

BorsodChem-shutdown 2026

Wanhua Chemical's subsidiary BorsodChem began a phased, 35-day routine maintenance shutdown at its integrated manufacturing complex at Kazincbarcika on 17 July.

The units included the 400,000 tpa MDI and 250,000 tpa TDI plants, and supporting facilities like aniline and nitrobenzene operations.  The market impact is to remove 650,000 tpa of capacity from the European market and tighten regional isocyanate supply.

Central European isocyanate trade Jan-Jun 2026

TDI imports into Poland amounted to a total of 34,079 tons in January to June 2026 against 32,767 tons in January to June 2025.   Prices of TDI imported into Poland rose from €2031.0 per ton in 2025 to €2129.7 per ton.  Hungary was the largest supplier in the first six months in 2026, shipping 16,578 tons to Poland.

MDI imports into Poland totalled 97,557 tons in the first half of 2026 against 84,883 tons in the same period in 2025.

MDI imports into the Czech Republic totalled 19,785 tons in January to June 2026 against 20,948 tons in the same period in 2025.  The leading supplier this year so far was Belgium with 5,500 tons followed by Hungary with 4,646 tons.  Average prices rose from €2021.4 per ton last year to €2124.9 per ton.  

Hungarian polyol imports Jan-Jun 2026

Imports of polyols into Hungary in the first six months in 2026 amounted to 18,043 tons against 20,238 tons in the same period in 2025.  Imports from China amounted to 3,600 tons in the first six months.

Czech polyol imports Jan-Jun 2026

Czech polyol imports amounted to 26,587 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 24,907 tons in the same period in 2025.  France was the largest supplier in the first six months.  Average prices dropped to €2093.8 per ton against to €2147.5 in the first six months in 2025.

Polish polyol trade Jan-Jun 2026

Polish exports of polyols in the first half of 2026 amounted to 27,158 tons against 26,798 tons last year, whilst prices increased from €1958.4 per ton to €2357.4 per ton.  PCC Rokita is the main exporter of polyols from Poland and tends to focus on higher value products.

Imports of polyols into Poland amounted to 74,950 tons in the first six months this year, with average prices rising from €1728.5 per ton to €1856.6 per ton.  Since April, there have been marked increases in raw material prices, which has to some extent influenced the increase in the prices of polyether polyols. 

The major supplier to the Polish market was Germany which shipped 18,089 tons in January to June this year against 17,746 tons last year, followed by the Netherlands which increased shipments from 14,778 tons to 15,656 tons.   Imports from China are relatively small, amounting to 4,566 tons in the first six months.

Hungarian maleic anhydride exports Jan-Jun 2026

Hungary exported 8,391 tons of maleic anhydride in January to June against 6,427 tons in January to June 2025.  Average prices declined from €1375.6 per ton to €1393.0 per ton.  Exports of maleic anhydride to Poland from Hungary dropped from 1,097 tons in 2025 to 936 tons in 2026.

Hungarian organic chemical exports Jan-Jun 2026

Exports of organic chemicals from Hungary totalled 469,045 tons in 2025, down from 579,296 tons in 2024.  The largest commodity in the organic chemical sector is TDI, accounting for 41% of Hungarian organic chemical exports in January to June by volume and 33% by value.  Overall, the value of organic chemical exports from Hungary amounted to €1.346 billion in 2026 against €1.249 billion in January to June 2025.  Imports of organic chemicals dropped from 692,690 tons in 2024 to 653,540 tons in 2025, with values dropping from €1.524 million to €1.451 million.

Hungarian aniline & acrylonitrile imports Jan-Jun 2026

Aniline imports into Hungary rose from 31,665 tons in January to June 2025 to 34,762 tons in January to June 2026.  Inward shipments al came from BorsodChem-MCHZ in the Czech Republic.  Cost prices of aniline imports rose from €1116.8 per ton to €1379.0 per ton.

Acrylonitrile imports dropped from 11,455 tons in the first half in 2025 to 3,189 tons in the same period in 2026.  Imports from the Netherlands dropped from 9,440 tons to zero following a plant closure. 

Polish organic chemical imports Jan-Jun 2026

Organic chemical trade in Poland saw higher volumes for exports and lower imports in the first half of 2026.  Exports amounted to 651,000 tons against 643,200 tons last year whilst imports dropped from 1.479 million tons to 1.415 million tons.  Due to second quarter rises, average prices for exports rose from €1175.1 per ton to €1234.3 per ton whilst imports increased from €1.451 per ton to €1501.3 per ton.

Methanol is the largest organic chemical imported into Poland, with volumes totalling 346,011 tons in January to June 2026 against 298,756 tons in the same period in 2025.   For other organic chemical imports Poland imported 17.794 tons of acetic acid in January to June against 21,353 tons in January to June 2025.  The US provided 8,426 tons this year. 

Ethyl acetate imports into Poland amounted to 8,958 tons in January to June 2026 against 6,293 tons in January to June 2025.  Belgium provided the largest share of imports. 

Maleic anhydride imports into Poland amounted to 6,408 tons in January-June 2026, versus 5,651 tons in the previous year.  Imports are currently sourced from Germany, Hungary and South Korea.  Isopropanol imports into Poland amounted to 6,362 tons in January-June 2026, down from 8,272 tons in the previous year.  Aside Germany, imports come from the Netherlands and South Africa.

Polish glycol/oxide imports Jan-Jun 2026

Ethylene glycol imports into Poland amounted to 19,999 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 12,725 tons in the same period last year.  Belgium is the main supplier of glycols to the Polish market.  PCC Exol is the main consumer of ethylene oxide in Poland.  Polish import prices for ethylene glycol rose to €756.0 per ton in April and €980.9 per ton in June. 

Polish chemical exports-monochloroacetic acid

Monochloroacetic acid is produced by the PCC Group under the entity of PCMAA and is an important export organic chemical, where volumes amounted to 13,309 tons in the first half of 2026.  PCC Rokita has now signed a letter of intent with the PCC Group regarding the integration of PCC MCAA will strengthen the PCC Rokita Group's mix of specialist products. 

PCC MCAA is one of the three producers of monochloroacetic acid in Europe.  Monochloroacetic acid is widely used in many industries, including for the production of agrochemicals, plant protection products, fertilisers, plastics, detergents, paints and varnishes. PCC MCAA is currently in the process of increasing capacity.  The transaction builds value at PCC Rokita, which is buying a company with significant potential and degree of integration.  Having a consumer of chlorine managed from PCC Rokita, the company will also be able to record additional synergy effects. 

Czech organic chemical trade Jan-Jun 2026

Czech organic chemical exports amounted in value to €610.8 million in the first six months in 2026 against €628.0 million in 2025, with volumes rising from 258,700 tons to 283,800 tons.  

Imports of organic chemicals into the Czech Republic witnessed price increases across the board in April in accordance with the higher prices of crude.  Acetone saw the largest price rise from €759.3 per ton in the first quarter to €1449.9 per ton in the second quarter April whilst propylene glycol rose from €1285.7 ton to €1808.0 per ton.  European phenol and acetone markets will continue to face the dual threats of high feedstock and energy costs and low underlying demand in the second half of Q2.

Czech methanol imports Jan-Jun 2026

Czech imports of methanol amounted to 39,383 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 25,836 tons in the same period in 2025.  Prices per ton for methanol imports dropped from €475.0 to €417.9 per ton.  The US supplied 20,553 tons in January to June 2026, whilst imports from Poland amounted to 8,472 tons.

Hungarian methanol imports Jan-Jun 2026

Methanol imports into Hungary in January to June increased to 54,148 tons against 49,684 tons in January to June 2025.  Imports from Germany increased from 18,303 tons to 21,985 tons, replacing sources from Poland and Slovakia. 

Imports from Slovenia into Hungary amounted to 6,695 tons in January to June 2026 against 6,995 tons in the same period in 2025.  Average prices of methanol imports into Hungary amounted to €448.7 per ton against €493.5 per ton in 2025.

Polish methanol trade Jan-Jun 2026

Polish imports of methanol amounted to 346,707 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 298,349 tons in January to June 2025.    Average prices dropped to €360.8 per ton against €393.6 per ton in 2025.

The US supplied 124,510 tons of methanol to Poland in the first six months in 2026 against 69,715 tons in 2025.  Norway was the next largest supplier, shipping 79,366 tons followed by Venezuela with 57,291 tons.  Imports from Belgium declined from 30,000 tons to 21,411 tons in January to June 2026. 

Exports of methanol from Poland amounted to 131,307 tons in January to June 2026, rising from 97,574 tons in the same period in 2025.  Polish methanol export prices dropped from €437.2 to €424.8 per ton but recorded a rise in April.  The largest destination for Polish exports was Germany which took 51,902 tons in January to June 2026 against 52,928 tons in the same period in 2025.  Ukraine imported 18,904 tons against 10,866 tons last year. 

ZapSibneftekhim drone attack

On 10 August drones attacked ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk in West Siberia.  ZapSibNeftekhim is the largest petrochemical complex in the Russian Federation for the production of ethylene and propylene, at least until the start-up of the Amur Gas Chemical Complex.  Drones attacked the central gas fractionation unit at Tobolsk which is connected to the Purovsky gas processing plant in West Siberia.   Tobolsk is located at a distance of about 2200 km from the border with Ukraine.

The central gas fractionation unit at ZapSibNeftekhim, an asset belonging to the SIBUR, was reported to have stopped temporarily.  However, due to a lack of information it is not possible to know whether there has been a full-scale shutdown of the entire complex. To assess the consequences, it is necessary to establish the nature of damage to the equipment, the possibility of continuing its operation and the need for restoration measures.

The Tobolsk complex is important not only for the production of petrochemicals in Russia but also the processing of gas liquids produced in West Siberia. NGLs are delivered from the Purovsky gas condensate processing plant to Tobolsk by pipeline which comprises around 1100 km.  The pipeline possesses the capacity to transport 4 million tpa of NGLs from the Purovsky plant to the loading rack near Noyabrsk, after which the capacity rises to 5.5 million tpa to Yuzhniy-Balyk before then rising to 8 million tpa for delivery to Tobolsk. 

Nizhnekamskneftekhim continued drone attacks

Nizhnekamskneftekhim was struck by drones on 10 August, following earlier attacks in the summer on 12 June, 8 July and 31 July.  A further attack occurred on 20 August, although the Taneko refinery at Nizhnekamsk was the main target.  The attack on 10 August appears to have been the largest, leading to 13 fatalities and many injured.  These attacks were supplemented by the accident at the end of March this year caused by internal safety errors, which resulted in 12 fatalities.  At the end of July drones struck the synthetic rubber division again, whilst also damaging the polystyrene plant.  

As the largest producer of synthetic rubber in Russia, Nizhnekamskneftekhim is a major supplier to the Russian military.  Synthetic rubber possesses many applications which are important to the military. 

Nizhnekamskneftekhim Jan-Jun 2026

Despite a troubled year to date in terms of a major internal accident combined with drone attacks Nizhnekamskneftekhim increased production in the first half of 2026.  The increase was largely attributed to the startup of the new EP-600 cracker and ethylene hexene polymer plant.  In the first half of 2026 the company sold 1.59 million tons of products which was 6.4% more than in 2025.  At the same time net profits fell sharply and were 14.7 times less than in January to June last year to 1.5 billion roubles.  The decline in profits was attributed to a combination of weaker margins and growing liquidity in the domestic economy.

Nizhnekamskneftekhim faces several negative factors at the same time: not only a drop in revenue and profit, but also a reduction in cash and a sharp increase in accounts payable. The current financial condition shows a high dependence on third-party financing.  

Russian petrochemical industry and Hormuz crisis

The effect of the crisis in the Straits of Hormuz for the Russian industry petrochemical industry has been twofold. On the one hand, domestic companies faced an increase in the cost of imported raw materials whilst on the other the crisis caused a unique chance to replace the lost volumes of products on world markets.  However, this latter aspect of the crisis did not bring any meaningful growth for the major petrochemical producers.

The petrochemical industry in Russia is caught between an increase in capacity and output in some large projects, as well as pressure on the industry due to weak demand, high rates, sanctions and a strong rouble.  Growth is concentrated in a limited number of areas, including new large-tonnage capacities, certain segments of fertilisers, niche and low-tonnage chemicals, import substitution of comonomers, catalysts and special polymers. At the same time, there is moderate dynamics in a number of segments, a weak refining market and pressure on margins.

Russian petrochemical production Jan-Jun 2026

Russian ethylene production amounted to 2.278 million tons in the first six months in 2026 against 2.280 million tons in January to June 2025, whilst propylene production increased from 1.245 million tons to 1.354 tons.  Benzene production dropped from 666,584 tons to 638,389 tons, whilst a drop was recorded in styrene production from 371,283 tons to 365,103 tons. 

In other area of aromatic production toluene rose from 162,183 tons to 204,294 tons, whilst orthoxylene dropped from 93,101 tons to 69,342 tons and paraxylene dropped from 121,654 tons to 106,461 tons.  Ethylene glycol production increased from 188,173 tons to 203,872 tons.  Acetic acid production dropped from 98,956 tons in the period January to June 2025 to 90,478 tons in 2026.  Methanol production dropped from 2.056 million tons in the first six months in 2025 to 2.029 million tons in 2026.

The outlook for aromatics in the second half of 2026 is facing huge challenges from the stopped production at many refineries.  Of the three xylene plants Kirishi is down completely.  Omsk and Ufa are currently operating but could see production affected by continued drone attacks.  The problem for many Russian refineries is that sanctions prevent the purchase of specialised equipment from the West and there are limited alternatives.  

Russian chemical industry Jan-Jun 2026

Production of ammonia, ammonium nitrate and urea all fell in the first half of 2026.  In the first half of 2026, the production of chemicals and products in Russia decreased by 1.5% over the year. At the same time, the volume of shipped goods in monetary terms increased by 0.5%. As for Tatarstan, in the first half of 2026, the production of chemicals and products in the republic decreased even more by 2.1%. In monetary terms, chemical companies shipped 0.3% more. The production of plastics in primary forms increased by 3.3% and amounted to 936,000 tons.

Russian polymer production Jan-Jun 2026

Regarding the production of bulk plastics in Russia, polyethylene rose from 1.794 million tons in the first six months in 2025 to 2.040 million tons in the same period in 2026, boosted by the start-up of the Irkutsk Polymer Plant.  The production of propylene polymers in Russia increased from 1.051 million tons to 1.141 million tons in the first six months in 2026.  The production of synthetic rubbers in primary forms dropped from 747,142 tons to 687,072 tons due mostly to reduced production at Nizhnekamskneftekhim after the accident at the end of March followed by drone attacks.  PET production dropped slightly from 334,093 tons to 331,256 tons.  PET is the one main polymer where Russia is dependent on imports. 

Demand challenges for Russian polymer market

The main problem of the Russian polymer market in the first half of 2026 was weak domestic demand. Demand for polymers sank in construction (due to a high interest rate), in the automotive industry (due to a slowdown in production and problems with components), and in the tire industry. In addition, the commissioning of new capacities (Irkutsk, Kazan) has increased supply, which has not yet found adequate demand within the country.

Start-up of Amur Gas Chemical Complex

The most important event in the second half of 2026 will be the launch of SIBUR's Amur Gas Chemical Complex (AGCC). It is expected that in the third quarter, one of the polyethylene production lines will be officially launched at the complex, and in 2027, the rest of the production lines will be put into operation, after which the total capacity of the Amur GCC will be 2.7 million tpa of polyethylene and polypropylene. This event will radically change the structure of the Russian and global polymer market, adding a significant amount of new supply.  However, the introduction of AGKH will not affect Russian processors directly and will not lead to a decrease in prices. The reason is that more than 90% of the output will be exported.

The complex includes one HDPE line with a capacity of 500,000 tpa and one of the three linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) lines with a capacity of 600,000 tpa.  In 2027, it was planned to launch two more LLDPE trains similar to the first one, as well as a polypropylene line with a capacity of 400,000 tpa.

Russian-Chinese plastics trade Jan-Jun 2026

As for foreign trade, China in the first half of 2026 increased imports of plastics and plastic products from Russia rose by 30.5% to $422.9 million. Imports of polyethylene from Russia increased by almost 1.5 times to $309.9 million (in physical terms 370,000 tons, an increase of 1.5 times). Imports of polypropylene increased by 0.9% to $83.6 million (107,900 tons, plus 8.5%).

However, the reverse flow of goods turned out to be much stronger. Exports of plastics and plastic products from China to Russia in the first half of the year increased by 20.9% to $2.46 billion. Thus, in the plastics segment, the negative balance of foreign trade with China remains, and imports from China are growing faster than Russian exports.

Russian ethylene production Jan-Jun 2026

Russian ethylene production totalled 2.278 million tons in the first six months in 2026 against 2.281 million tons in January to June 2025. 

ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk produced 797,414 tons in January to June 2026, up from 733,683 tons from January to June 2025.  Stavrolen at Budyennovsk produced only 56,442 tons of ethylene in the first six months against 164,724 due to necessary repairs following drone attacks.  Production in the Volga region was almost the same, amounting to 1.138 million.    The Siberian Federal District saw ethylene production increased from 244,473 tons to 285,855 tons. 

Russian propylene production Jan-Jun 2026

Russian propylene production totalled 1.356 million tons in the first six months in 2026 against 1.245 million tons in the same period in 2025.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk increased production from 441,485 tons in January to June 2025 to 544,362 tons in the same period in 2026, whilst the plants in the Volga region increased production from 482,375 tons to 533,097 tons.  Production at the Budyennovsk plant in the North Caucasus dropped from 70,700 tons to 25,798 tons whilst in Siberia the combined production of the Tomsk and Angarsk plant resulted in 252,403 tons versus 250,551 tons in 2025. 

Russian butadiene production Jan-Jun 2026

Russian butadiene production increased in the first six months to 302,593 tons versus 317,800 tons in the same period in 2025.  Production at the three sites in the Volga region dropped from 177,552 tons to 139,207 tons.   

Russian benzene-toluene production Jan-Jun 2026

Benzene production amounted to 638,389 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 666,584 tons in the same period in 2025.  The Volga region for benzene production is the largest in Russia, increasing production from 414,490 tons in 2025 to 439,638 tons in the same period in 2026.  Russian toluene production increased from 162,183 tons in the first six months in 2025 to 204,294 tons in 2026.

Russian styrene production amounted to 365,103 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 371,283 tons in the same period in 2025. Production in the Volga region takes place at Nizhnekamsk and Salavat, and the region accounted for 327,906 tons in the period January to June 2026.  In Siberia Angarsk Polymer increased production to 17,885 tons in the first half of 2026. 

Russian plastics production Jan-Jun 2026

Russian bulk plastics production amounted to 5.646 million tons in January to June 2026 against 5.388 million tons in the same period in 2025.  The first half of 2026 was a period of sharp price fluctuations for the Russian polyethylene and polypropylene market. At the same time, production showed versatile dynamics, domestic demand remained weak, and the external economic situation created multidirectional effects for producers and processors.

Problems facing the Russian polymer market

The main problem of the Russian polymer market in the first half of 2026 was weak domestic demand. Demand for polymers sank in construction (due to a high key rate), in the automotive industry (due to a slowdown in production and problems with components), and in the tire industry. In addition, the commissioning of new capacities (Irkutsk, Kazan) has increased supply, which has not yet found adequate demand within the country.

In the second half of the year, demand will be rather weak and neutrally downward in prices. Individual seasonal rebounds are possible, but there will be no steady growth in demand yet. Demand for polymers may remain around the level of 2025 at best, and in a number of segments it may decline even more. The main constraints will be weak construction, a more cautious packaging segment, a slowdown in the automotive industry, as well as new capacity and a supply surplus that has already been commissioned.

Russian ethylene polymer production Jan-Jun 2026

A sharp increase in polyethylene production has been observed since November 2025 and is associated with the launch of SIBUR's updated facilities in Tatarstan, as well as the commissioning of the Irkutsk Polymer Plant at Ust-Kut.  The plant entered the commissioning stage in April 2025 and is now preparing to reach its design capacity of 650,000 tpa. 

Production of ethylene polymers in Russia amounted to 2.072 million tons in January to June 2026, up from 1.866 million tons in the same period in 2025.  Production was boosted towards the end of 2025 by the start-up of HDPE production at the new unit at Irkutsk Polymer Plant.  As a result, production increased from 191,513 tons in the first half in 2025 to 438,518 tons in the same period in 2026.

The largest plant for the production of ethylene polymers is ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk, located in the Ural Federal District.  ZapSibNeftekhim produced 807,239 tons in January to June 2026 against 746,320 tons in January to June 2025, nearly all of which comprised main polyethylene grades HDPE and LLDPE.

The second largest region in Russia is the Volga Federal District where production increased from 669,236 tons in January to June 2025 to 679,515 tons in January to June 2026.  The Volga district includes producers from Bashkortostan including Gazprom neftekhim Salavat and Ufaorgsintez, and from Tatarstan Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Kazanorgsintez.

The total net profit of the two producers in Tatarstan in the second quarter amounted to 9.8 billion roubles, for Nizhnekamskneftekhim it amounted to 7.1 billion roubles which was 14.7 times lower than in 2025, for and Kazanorgsintez 2.7 billion roubles which was two-fold lower. 

Nizhnekamskneftekhim has been the target of Ukrainian drones in the past couple of months, but as yet no damage mentioned to the polymer plants.  Production in the Russian Far East is expected to emerge shortly at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex.  Most of the production is intended for the Chinese market. 

Russian polyethylene trade Jan-Jun 2026

Inward shipments of ethylene polymers into Russia from China into Russia rose in the first six months in 2025 from 38,800 tons to 39,213 tons in 2026.  Average prices increased to $1654.0 to $1545.9 per ton.  The largest category of imports comprised ethylene-hexene copolymers, amounting to 12,090 tons in the first half of 2026.

Russian polyethylene exports to China increased from 252,214 tons in January to June 2025 to 363,352 tons in the same period in 2026, with both HDPE and LDPE showing rises.   HDPE from the new plant at Irkutsk has been targeted on the Chinese market.  Average prices for Russian polyethylene exports to China dropped from $845.1 per ton to $837.5 per ton in 2026. 

Russian polypropylene production Jan-Jun 2025

Russian production of propylene polymers totalled 1.141 tons in January to June 2026 against 1.053 tons in 2025. ZapSibNeftekhim increased production from 497,809 tons to 584,416 tons in January to June 2026, whilst Stavrolen at Budyennovsk reduced production slightly from 71,163 tons to 67,251 tons.   The Siberian Federal District includes polypropylene plants at Omsk and Tomsk, where production rose from 173,240 tons to 178,582 tons.

Russian polypropylene trade Jan-Jun 2026

Revenues from Russian exports of polypropylene homo grade to China dropped from $72.535 million in the first six months in 2025 to $67.338 million in the same period in 2026.  By volume Russian polypropylene exports decreased from 72,535 tons to 67,338 tons.   Chinese exports of propylene polymers to Russia amounted to 19,464 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 14,788 tons in the same period in 2025.    Prices amounted to $1655.0 per ton in 2026, down from $2163.8 in 2025. 

Russian PVC production and trade Jan-Jun 2026

Russian PVC suspension grade production totalled 774,063 tons in January to June 2025 against 745,421 tons in the same period in 2024.  The Volga region, which includes plants at Kstovo and Sterlitamak, accounted for 476,204 tons in January to June against 450,375 tons in the same period in 2024.   Sayanskkhimplast is the only PVC producer in Siberia, producing 220,163 tons in the against 225,826 tons in January to June 2025.  The plant is supplied with ethylene from the Angarsk Polymer Plant by pipeline.

Russian PVC market Jan-Jun 2026

Imports of PVC from China into Russia dropped to a total of 63,181 tons in January to June 2026 against 100,966 tons in 2025.  Shipments of PVC suspension grade dropped from 57,289 tons to 30,971 tons whilst emulsion grade dropped from 51,085 tons to 28,283 tons.

Kazanorgsintez-polycarbonate production restricted due to component shortages

Kazanorgsintez reduced production of polycarbonate from 53,716 tons in the first half of 2025 to 46,414 tons 2026.  The fall is indicative of the lack of stability in the production of polycarbonate at Kazanorgsintez.  Firstly, this is the unreliability of equipment due to the inability to find high-quality spare parts (original vacuum hoses have been missing for four years since 2022).   Secondly, there are no reliable catalysts (neither Russian nor Chinese give a stable result). 

Russian PX-PTA production Jan-Jun 2026

Russian paraxylene production amounted to 106,460 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 121,654 tons in the same period in 2025.  Gazprom Neft at Omsk increased production from 27,784 tons to 32,782 tons whilst Ufaneftekhim reduced production from 73,033 tons to 60,249 tons.  The only Russian PTA producer Polief gets around 75% of paraxylene from Bashneft and the remainder from the Omsk refinery.  The Kirishi refinery has stopped completely due to drone damage and is unable to replace the damaged equipment due to sanctions.

PTA production at Polief amounted to 173,486 tons in January to June 2026 against 172,998 tons in 2025.  Regarding Polief, SIBUR does not plan to expand its capacity and considers its PX-PTA chain to be balanced.  Polief provides PTA for further after processing into PET in the Tver region as in Bashkortostan.

Russian PTA imports from China amounted to 125,609 tons in the first six months in 2026 versus 162,945 tons in the same period in 2025.  PTA import prices averaged $793.1 in 2026 which was up from $618.5 in 2025.  Values of PTA imports amounted to $99.616 million against $100.786 million in 2025.

Russian PET production Jan-Jun 2026

Ekopet produced 108,787 tons of PET in the first six months in 2026 against 125,433 tons in January to June 2025, whilst the combined plants of Senezh and SIBUR-PETF produced 99,657 tons against 105,570 tons.  Polief increased PET production to 122,812 tons versus 103,091 tons last year.  PET production in Russia amounted to a total of 331,256 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 334,093 tons in the same period in 2025.

Russian synthetic rubber production Jan-Jun 2026

Synthetic rubber production in Russia amounted to 686,950 tons in January to June 2026 against 747,026 tons in the corresponding period in 2025.   Production dropped partly due to the fire that took place at the end of March at Nizhnekamskneftekhim.  At the same time the production of all types of synthetic rubber at Togliattikaucuk (under the control of Tatneft) was almost completely stopped.

The production of butadiene rubbers was stopped at Nizhnekamskneftekhim as a result of the March accident.  As a result, production in the Volga region dropped from 570,274 tons to 487,079 tons.  The Siberian region decreased production from 57,856 tons in January to June 2026 to 487,079 tons in the same period in 2026.  

Voronezhsintezkaucuk completed a scheduled shutdown of production facilities from 7 July to 24 July and was a key stage in the equipment modernisation programme.  This year, the repair work affected the production of polybutadiene rubbers, the production of monomers and solvents and energy production.  The main task during the shutdown period is not just to perform repairs on time, but to perform them safely. Strict compliance with safety rules during shutdown repairs was monitored by commissioners and employees of the Occupational Health and Industrial Safety Service.  The next major overhaul is scheduled for July 2027 and will affect all production facilities of Voronezhsintezkaucuk.

Synthetic rubber production by category Jan-Jun 2026

Isoprene rubber amounted to 117,756 tons in the first six months against 143,782 tons in the same period last year.  Butadiene rubber production amounted to 114,415 tons against 133,323 tons in January to June 2025.  The production of butadiene methylstyrene rubber rose from 116,889 to 126,256 tons whilst butyl rubber production was reduced from 76,465 tons to 54,492 tons.    The highest value rubber sold by Russia is halogenated butyl rubber where production increased from 50,267 tons in 2025 to 52,794 tons.  

Russian Chinese rubber trade Jan-Jun 2026

Russian export revenues from synthetic rubber shipments to China totalled $615.743 million in January to June 2026 against $582.536 million in the same period in 2025.  By volume Russian shipments of synthetic rubber to China amounted to 287,357 tons in the first six months in 2026, which was up from 373,549 tons in 2025.  Butadiene rubber exports represented the largest category, declining from 78,474 tons in January to June 2025 to 70,280 tons.  However, there was a sharp reduction in butadiene rubber exports in the second quarter following the huge accident that took place at Nizhnekamskneftekhim at the end of March.  Butyl rubber and halogenated butyl rubber exports were also affected. 

Russian methanol production Jan-Jun 2026

Russia produced 2.029 million tons of methanol in the first six months in 2026 against 2.057 million tons in the same period in 2025.  The Volga region, including Metafrax Chemicals, Tomet and Ammoni, reduced production from 958,234 tons to 684,618 tons in the first six months in 2025.   The reduction was due to predominantly on the attack on Metafrax on 17 February which disabled production. 

The Siberian Federal District (including Gazprom Methanol and Angarsk Petrochemical) increased production from 390,733 tons to 438,166 tons.   The Central region, which includes Shchekinoazot, showed a sharp rise in production from 546,551 tons to 753,141 tons in the first six months in 2026.  Azot at Nevinnomyssk in the North Caucasus has also been affected by drone attacks, reducing production in the first six months from 51,542 tons in 2025 to 38,978 tons this year.   Azot provides essential raw materials such as used in the manufacture of explosives and a wide range of ammunition compositions.  Its role in sustaining Russia's frontline firepower makes it a high-value target within the broader campaign to degrade military logistics.  Azot also provides acetic acid to the Sverdlov explosive plant at Dzerzhinsk in the Nizhniy Novgorod region.

Russian methanol exports Jan-Jun 2026

Russian methanol exports amounted to 797,411 tons in January to June 2026 versus 840,448 tons in the same period in 2025.  Shchekinoazot increased exports from 279,740 tons to 443,770 tons, whilst Metafrax Chemicals reduced shipments from 225,330 tons to 57,749 tons.   Tomet at Togliatti reduced exports from 129,977 tons to 71,185 tons in January to June 2026.  Gazprom Methanol increased exports to 224,707 tons from 201,321 tons in 2026. 

Russian exports to China amounted to 549,834 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 434,593 tons in the same period in 2025. 

Average prices for methanol imports amounted to $239.8 per ton against $307.3 per ton in the same period in 2025.  Export volumes to Turkey fell from 168,807 tons in the first six months last year to 136,729 tons in 2026.  Shipments to Brazil dropped from 133,812 tons to 46,516 tons in the first six months in 2026.

Higher Russian methanol exports to China

Russian producers have started replaced methanol supplies from the Middle East to China, but this is only in theory.   Hypothetically, Russian producers have the opportunity to increase supplies by around 0.7 million tons, but drones have affected production this year in addition to the problem of logistics.  New port facilities have been opened near the sea of Azov, but these ports have limits to how much they can export.   The current port terminal at Nakhodka is being used to a maximum of its capacity, and sometimes producers use the Zabaikalsk railway terminal.

Russian exports to China rose by 1.5% in 2025 over 2024, which tends to indicate a plateau with current production and logistics capabilities.  A major development is expected from the Nakhodka Mineral Fertiliser Plant with a capacity of 1.8 million tpa of methanol should reach its design capacity in 2027.   Nakhodka methanol could become attractive to consumers from the Asia-Pacific region.  In particular the launch of this plant could result in a significant increase in exports to China.

Russian methanol domestic sales Jan-Jun 2026

Domestic merchant sales of methanol rose fractionally from 718,073 tons in January to June 2025 to 719,705 tons in January to June 2026.  Metafrax Chemicals reduced domestic merchant sales to 229,562 tons in January to June 2026 against 182,579 tons in January to June 2025, whilst Gazprom Methanol increased domestic merchant sales to 156,579 tons against 177,681 tons.   Shchekinoazot shipped 175,331 tons in January to June 2026 against 192,894 tons in 2025. 

Formaldehyde production rose in the first six months this year to 448,428 tons versus 427,205 tons in the same period in 2025.  This was exclusively to the increase of production by Nizhnekamskneftekhim.  Production of formaldehyde at Nizhnekamsk is channelled into the production of isoprene monomer. 

For the rest of the formaldehyde market demand has been stagnating.  Production for urea formaldehyde concentrate declined from 145,605 tons to 137,395 tons in the first six months this year quarter this year, whilst the production of urea-formaldehyde resins fell from 518,227 tons to 447,178 tons and phenol-formaldehyde resins from 198,723 tons to 190,455 tons.   

Around 44% of methanol consumed was processed into formaldehyde-containing products in 2025, including resins and isoprene.  This compares against 54% in 2020.  All products including formaldehyde concentrate, and resins saw reduced production in the first six months in 2026.  

New measures against Russian distribution of methanol

Russian government approved a law introducing administrative liability for circulation of methanol and methanol-containing liquids, as well as toughening the punishment for the sale of goods prohibited for free sale.  The document supplements the Code of Administrative Offenses with a new norm and immediately comes into force from the date of official publication.

The new article of the Code of Administrative Offenses establishes liability for the circulation of methanol without inclusion in a special register of organisations and individual entrepreneurs, if there are no signs of a criminal offense in the actions.  For officials, a fine of 500,000 to 1 million roubles or disqualification for a period of two to three years is possible, for legal entities -a fine of up to one fifth of the total revenue, but not less than 3 million roubles.

Russian butanol production Jan-Jun 2026

Russian normal butanol production amounted to 75,251 tons in January to June 2026 versus 73,061 tons in the same period in 2025.  The Volga region, which includes SIBUR-Khimprom, reduced production from 58,183 tons to 50,068 tons. 

Russian solvent production Jan-Jun 2026

Russian acetic acid production amounted to 87,414 tons in January to June 2026 against 98,881 tons in the same period in 2025.  The largest and most important producer in Russia, Azot at Nevinnomyssk, reduced production to 65,586 tons in January to June 2026 against 72,519 tons in the same period in 2025.

Isopropanol production in Russia amounted to 33,991 tons in January to June 2026 against 26,745 tons in the same period in 2025.  Omsk Kaucuk increased production from 7,976 tons to 12,069 tons whilst the Plant at Synthetic Alcohol at Orsk increased production from 12,815 tons to 14,759 tons.   Omsk Kaucuk only started isopropanol production in 2020 and only achieved high utilisation rates in 2023. 

TDI imports into Russia Jan-Jun 2026

TDI imports into Russia from South Korea amounted to 12,441 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 4,200 tons in the same period in 2025, with costs rising from $7.866 million to $24.355 million.  Prices rose slightly from $2140.0 per ton in January to June 2025 to $2141.2 per ton in 2026. 

Chinese shipments of TDI to Russia dropped from 9,268 tons in the first six months last year to 7,609 tons in the same period this year.  Average prices dropped from $1913.2 per ton to $2354.8 per ton.

MDI imports into Russia Jan-Jun 2026

MDI imports from South Korea to Russia amounted to 14,369 tons in the first six months in 2026 against 2,845 tons in the same period in 2025.  Prices dropped from $2109.7 per ton to $1904.6 per ton.  Russia imported 19,158 tons from South Korea in 2025. 

MDI imports from China into Russia dropped in the first six months in 2026 to 39,465 tons versus 42,599 tons in the same period in 2025.  Average prices rose from $2006.7 per ton to $2215.8 in 2026. 

Polyol exports from China to Russia rose in the first six months in 2026 to 48,703 tons against 52,235 tons in the same period in 2025 and by value to $94.890 million versus $85.996 million.   Total consumption of polyols in Russia ranges from 210-220,000 tpa at present.

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